Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 ham bone (left over)
• 2 carrots (peeled and chopped, about 2 Cups)
• 2 Stalks celery (chopped, about 2 Cups)
• 1 Cup onion (chopped)
• 3 Cloves garlic ( minced )
• 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 Teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 Teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 Cans cannellini beans
• 2 Cups cooked ham (diced)
• 6 Cups water
• nonstick cooking spray (or oil, for sauteing)

Instructions

1. 1

   grease: Spray a large stockpot with cooking spray and put the ham bone inside.

2. 2

   sauté: Add the diced carrots, celery and onion around the ham bone and sauté until tender.

3. 3

   Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, cumin and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.

4. 4

   Add the drained cannellini beans, ham and 6 cups of water to the stock pot. Cover and bring to a boil.

5. 5

   simmer: Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 30 minutes.

6. 6

   season: Discard the ham bone, add salt and pepper to taste, and ladle into serving bowls.